Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour
Overview
Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the underwater Kaikōura Canyon, a marine hotspot rich with wildlife due to nutrient-filled upwellings.
Spot a variety of whales, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Southern Right whales, and the resident Sperm whales—the largest toothed whale in the world. Along the way, watch for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals along the coastline.
The experience concludes with a breathtaking alpine landing atop the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, where you'll enjoy panoramic mountain and ocean views. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this Kaikōura helicopter tour offers the ultimate New Zealand nature experience.
What's Included
- Lifejackets and Headsets
Meeting and Pickup
We can arrange a pick up and drop off service (free of charge) from anywhere in Kaikoura. Please either mention in the booking notes or you can email or call us directly to arrange this.
617 State Highway 1
Peketā 7374, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Kaikoura
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-61327P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from...
$425
Indulge in a truly exclusive Kaikōura helicopter tour that combines breathtaking aerial views with a premium gin tasting experience. Relax and enjoy a scenic flight...
$125
Spend quality time with one of the world's most exotic animals. You trek with your own llama, who walks on a lead, at your side,...
$124
Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife....
$68
Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from...
$425
Indulge in a truly exclusive Kaikōura helicopter tour that combines breathtaking aerial views with a premium gin tasting experience. Relax and enjoy a scenic flight...
$125
Spend quality time with one of the world's most exotic animals. You trek with your own llama, who walks on a lead, at your side,...
$124
Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife....
$68
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Discover Kaikōura’s world renowned sperm whales & marine life with an unforgettable Whale Watching Flight. From above, you’ll have the ultimate vantage point to admire...
$167
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a...
$102
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura
This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak...
$83
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura
A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive...
$113
Discover Kaikōura’s world renowned sperm whales & marine life with an unforgettable Whale Watching Flight. From above, you’ll have the ultimate vantage point to admire...
$167
Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a...
$102
This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak...
$83
A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive...
$113
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lifejackets and Headsets.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lifejackets and Headsets
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
